Lentil Soup with Flair

I love soups of all kind and thought this one would make a good edition to most any home menu. I'm thinking it needs a sprinkling of Parmesan before serving!

Lentil Soup with Flair

1 medium, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed and diced
Tablespoon of olive oil
3 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
1/4 cup red wine - optional
1 - 14.5 ounce can beef broth
1 cup dried lentils, rinses
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 red pepper (green would work, too!), finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 - 6 ounce can tomato paste
2 cups cooked rice

In a large pot, saute onion and garlic until tender but NOT browned! Add the water/broths, lentils, wine, carrots, pepper and herbs. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until lentils are JUST tender.

Stir in the tomato products and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes longer to meld the flavors. Serve in bowls over rice. Remember the garlic bread!